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Chef's Note

“Here's a Trader Joe's copycat recipe for their packaged '17-Bean and Barley Mix'. In addition, this soup recipe is printed on the back of the package. The only thing I changed was to use roasted tomatoes for standard (Roasted Summer Tomatoes). You have the option to substitute other beans or legumes of your choice. For example, I replaced the pinto beans with anasazi beans and tossed in a few adzuki beans for good luck. Most of the beans/legumes to prepare this recipe I have on hand in the pantry and those I don't I purchase in the bulk section at the natural food store. The beans/legumes are combined in a large bowl, stored in a container in the pantry; saving the rest for another time. I don't think sauteeing a few mushrooms and adding to the soup would hurt either. For the carnivores, throw in some meat: sausage, leftover chicken or turkey, etc. Makes a great hostess gift, too. The soup can also be prepared in a crock pot on LOW if you prefer.”

Directions

BEAN-BARLEY SOUP MIX: In a bowl combine about 3 heaping tablespoons of each bean/legume. Stir then transfer to an airtight container. Measurement is estimated.

PREPPING BEANS FOR THE SOUP: For this recipe I used the quick soak method for prepping the beans/legumes. To do this, in a large stock pot cover the dried bean mixture with triple their volume of cold water.

Bring water to the boil, lower heat and cook the beans uncovered over moderate heat for 2 minutes.

Remove beans from the heat and set aside to soak for 1 hour. After one hour of soaking, drain the beans and place them back in the pot.

Overnight soak method: Place the beans in a pot and cover with water. The next morning, drain and rinse the beans and then continue with recipe in Step #6.

SOUP PREPARATION: Pour 4 cups of vegetable broth or chicken broth into the pot of beans.